The photos above are showing how the food gets onto the reservation to the Lakota people. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

“As a diabetic the fresh food is a god-send to me. But the most wonderful sight of all was watching my grandchildren eating corn cobs looking so content and happy I wanted to say thank you to ONE Spirit for this wonderful food.”

---From a grandmother in Porcupine, SD

We think of epidemic hunger as only happening in third world countries and never in the United States. For many children, elders and families on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota:

hunger is a constant presence and the source of the next meal is unknown.

preventable illnesses become chronic and debilitating due to malnutrition.

With an average family income of $6000 per year, families go without food on a regular basis.

“An elderly couple called to say thanks for the food. Through tears, the woman told us that they had nothing in the house to eat until the food arrived...”

---From a ONE Spirit sponsor

ONE Spirit and the Lakota people have joined efforts to bring an end to hunger and diet related disease by providing fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to families and elders in need. Through the generosity of sponsors, the ONE Spirit food program delivers food that is both high quality and highly nutritional. During the summer months, seasonal garden produce, a rarity in most homes on the reservation, is distributed from a local farm. Freshly processed chickens and fruits and vegetables from distributors are supplied during the winter.

"The fresh produce was delicious....I have a large family to feed and they sure enjoyed the watermelon and cantaloupe. My son cooked corn with supper and the kids ate it all up. Thanks!!!"

--- From a mother who feeds a family of 8.

We have a cure for hunger

Each month, ONE Spirit arranges for food to be transported to the Pine Ridge reservation where members of the Lakota community then unload the truck, sort the food into orders and personally deliver them throughout the reservation.

The community workers typically dedicate two long days to complete deliveries, travelling hundreds of miles over unmaintained roads and even taking orders into the homes of elders and putting it away for them. The workers are paid with food and are supplied with gas for the deliveries.

Currently, more than 3,000 people are fed each month and we have more than 100 families waiting to get food through the food program. On a daily basis, we receive many urgent requests for food for elders, families and children.

How does the food program help?

• It brings a consistent supply of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats to families where it is most needed.

• It provides employment and promotes self-sufficiency.

• It allows the Lakota to take care of the needs of their people.

Your donations provide food for:

More than 3000 people every month.

The Cohen House (Senior residence)

The Soup Kitchen on Rosebud Reservation

The Transition housing for youth

The Allen Youth Center

We are reaching out to corporations to join us in our quest to end hunger on Pine Ridge Reservation.

How to Participate:

• Donate a box of food. For about $65.00, you can provide an elder with two weeks of nutritious meals, or feed the average family for a week.

• Donors are also able to have contact with the family or elder who receives food because of their generosity.

• Donations can be made for any amount towards a box of food and can be made as a one-time donation, or once per month.

• Assist with food delivery costs. Deliveries cost $500.00 per month plus the repair and maintenance of the vehicles used.

For further information please contact Diane Capalario at 603-622-7008 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.